What about karma? That’s the question driving Toulouse-based duo Bigflo & Oli in Karma, their fifth album in just over a decade. This time, the two artists are moving away from a decidedly commercial sound. The result: a rawer, more introspective work—and, above all, one that’s much more rooted in rap.
Very quickly, you get the sense that they’ve shed certain expectations. Bigflo & Oli seem to have let their guard down to create the music that first led them to this career. It’s a sort of return to their roots. Florian seems composed, almost at peace with the path he’s taken, while Olivio gives the impression of being driven by a new artistic mission. We are no longer witnessing the rise of two young rappers, but rather the perspective of established artists reflecting on their journey with hindsight. Success is no longer the focus of the conversation; it is now its consequences that fuel their reflections.
From the very first minutes, the word “karma” recurs like a mantra. Family Business sets the tone by revisiting the duo’s family history. The verses flow with confidence, backed by a particularly polished instrumental. An American influence is evident on several tracks. Bigflo’s admiration for Drake shines through in certain variations in flow and shifts in rhythm, particularly on Minimum!. The musical selection also evokes the minimalist and atmospheric textures associated with artists like The Alchemist. The production on Karma stands out as the most refined in their discography.
The title track, Karma, is one of the highlights of the album. A heavy bassline, an immersive atmosphere, and sharp verses support a catchy chorus. In it, the two rappers reiterate the idea of “letting karma take its course.” As the years go by, their perspective on their journey becomes clearer. While the album as a whole relies primarily on direct, unapologetic rap, a few tracks expand the sonic palette. Picasso, with its cumbia influences and a chorus in Spanish, and “tumemanques,” an autotuned ballad in which Olivio addresses the loss of a loved one, offer welcome moments of respite.
We should commend their willingness to offer something different rather than simply repeating a tried-and-true formula. Despite this ambition, longtime listeners will easily recognize the themes and sensibilities that have defined the world of Bigflo & Oli. Karma may be aimed less at the general public than some of their previous albums, but it could very well resonate with rap purists who have long viewed the duo with skepticism.
